D’Addario expands its XPND Pedalboard Series with two new products designed to simplify, strengthen, and elevate modern pedalboard setups: the XPND Core Pedalboards and the Backline Core Pedalboard Transport Bags.
XPND Core Pedalboards
Available in both compact 2-rail and larger 4-rail sizes, XPND Core Pedalboards include pre-applied hook-and-loop strips and an integrated cable management system for clean, secure setups. Players can easily upgrade with XPND Expansion Kits, transforming Core Pedalboards into a fully adjustable XPND Pedalboard that grows with their style and musical needs. XPND Core is the non-adjustable version of our revolutionary expanding pedalboard and designed for players who want a simple, ready-to-build layout with no setup time.
Highlights
Durable Construction: Aluminum frame built for stage and studio.
Organized Setup: Integrated cable management for clean signal chains.
Ready to Go: Pre-applied hook-and-loop for secure pedal placement.
Expandable: Compatible with XPND Expansion Kits.
Availability & Pricing
XPND Core Pedalboards are available now through daddario.com and authorized retailers.
Designed as the perfect companion to the Core Pedalboards, the new Backline Core Pedalboard Transport Bags offer players a tough, lightweight, gig-ready solution for transporting pedalboard systems. Each bag is tailored specifically to fit the Core 1 (single-row) and Core 2 (double-row) pedalboard sizes.
Featuring rugged exterior construction, reinforced handles, soft padded interior protection, and dedicated storage compartments for accessories and cables, Backline Core Bags deliver dependable protection and convenience for musicians on the move.
Highlights
Tailored Fit: Designed specifically for Core 1 and Core 2 pedalboards.
Durable Exterior: Heavy-duty fabric with reinforced straps.
Padded Interior: Soft liner safeguards pedals and gear.
Extra Storage: Interior/exterior compartments for cables and accessories.
Lightweight & Gig-Ready: Built for easy transport without added bulk.
Availability & Pricing Available now through daddario.com and authorized retailers.
GRAMMY® Award-nominated genre-defying songwriter, producer, podcast host, and guitarist extraordinaire Cory Wong has shared his new single, “Blame It On The Moon (Feat. Magic City Hippies).” The jazzy disco track in collaboration with the Miami-based indie-funk trio Magic City Hippies is the third song released from his upcoming album, Lost In The Wonder, set to arrive on February 3, 2026. “Blame It On The Moon (Feat. Magic City Hippies)” is streaming everywhere now.
“This is the first time that Magic City Hippies and I have worked together,” says Cory Wong. “I randomly met some of the guys in Japan during my last tour. They came out to one of my Tokyo shows and, at the end of the night, said, ‘We should do something sometime.’ That usually means something along the lines of, ‘I respect your artistry and think you’re cool, ’ but rarely means ever getting together to actually ‘do something sometime.’ I have made it a point in the last couple of years to really mean it when I say ‘let’s write together.’
“I got home from Japan and sent over a demo of a song I was working on. The guys in the band said, ‘Yep, we know what to do with this.’ They flipped the arrangement around and added new parts, and sent back what was the majority of what you hear in the final song. We did a few rounds of remote feedback on the writing, and I polished off the arrangement with some added horns and keyboards, and it was done! It’s always more fun to work in a room together on something creative like this, but it works really well to work on remote collaboration projects when both parties are really comfortable in their artistry and also the craft of recording/ collaborating. This, to me, felt like the pinnacle of remote collaboration.”
Lost In The Wonder was initially heralded with the release of the album’s hook-heavy and irresistibly catchy first single “Tongue Tied (Feat. Stephen Day).” The crisp yet dreamy mid-tempo title track, “Lost In The Wonder,” followed last week. A national headlining tour, featuring special guests Devon Gilfillian, Stephen Day, and Marc Scibilia, is set to begin in April, with confirmed performances in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Austin, and more. The full itinerary is below.
Lost In The Wonder spotlights Wong’s remarkable gifts as a producer, writer, arranger, band leader, and master of modern pop craftsmanship, while of course never losing sight of his trademark guitar virtuosity. The album further affirms Wong’s enduring love of musical collaboration, boasting a truly eclectic range of guest artists, including Taylor Hanson, Devon Gilfillian, Cody Fry, Yam Haus, Louis Cato, Ellis, Elysia Biro, Theo Katzman, and Magic City Hippies.
“There are lots of sides to me as an artist,” says Wong. “A lot of people know me as a guitar guy, or even more specifically, ‘rhythm guitar guy’. That’s an accurate description, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. I see the guitar as just one of the avenues for my music and creativity. It’s been an absolute joy to develop and form a signature sound as a guitarist, but a huge part of my artistry is in my production/writing/arranging/band-leading. I’ve worked on and honed those skills just as much as my guitar playing, so I wanted to make an album that really showcased that side of my creative expression. Does that mean there’s less guitar on this album than on others? No! It’s actually quite the opposite. I feel like some of my best guitar work is done on this album. There’s everything from my classic rhythm guitar sound to multiple layers of orchestrally arranged guitar to blistering solos when the music calls for it.
“I think anyone who’s a great producer/writer/arranger also really likes to collaborate with other people because it gives you different colors and textures to ‘paint’ with. My aim is to showcase different sides of my artistry by putting several collaborators in front of the music and having me build the world that it lives in.”
Wong – who just wrapped up a series of historic live performances in China and South Korea – will celebrate Lost In The Wonder with a non-stop global live schedule that includes headline shows, top-billed festival sets, and more. Highlights include performances in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Austin, as well as a one-night-only concert event at Toronto, ON’s Koerner Hall at The Royal Conservatory of Music backed by the Royal Conservatory Orchestra (December 11); a headline performance at Tucson, AZ’s historic Fox Tucson Theatre as part of the annual Tucson Jazz Festival (January 24, 2026); Dave Koz and Friends at Sea 2026, an eight-night musical cruise adventure making stops in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina (March 22-30, 2026); a co-headline festival appearance alongside Snarky Puppy at Charlotte, NC’s The Spring Mix (April 26, 2026); and a visit to San José del Cabo, Mexico for Goose’s three-day destination festival, Viva El Gonzo (May 7-9, 2026). Additional dates will be announced.
The monkey is out of the cage, and this time, it’s a little bit meaner. DigiTech’s cult-favorite Bad Monkey® overdrive pedal has swung back into the spotlight—not as a simple reissue, but as a fully evolved creature from DOD®: the Badder Monkey™. With the original Bad Monkey circuit still at its core and two brand-new circuits named Behaved and Badder joining the fray, this pedal gives players the power to go from mild-mannered overdrive to mischievous, unpredictable tones that are downright bananas.
The real magic happens with DOD’s patent-pending 360-degree Barrel Control, which lets musicians blend any two circuits at a time, resulting in hundreds of unique overdrive combinations. And if that’s not enough monkey business, a three-position toggle adds even more tonal tricks. In the UP position, the Bad circuit plays nicely in-phase with the others; DOWN, it flips out-of-phase to create wild harmonic shenanigans; and CENTER activates Troop Mode, where all three circuits pile on at once. In Troop Mode, the Barrel Control steps aside, letting the full troop roar together.
The Badder Monkey™ also introduces DOD’s patent-pending reversible StagePlate™, a simple but brilliant way to keep your pedal grounded—or attached to your board. The skid pad side keeps it from sliding off the stage; while flipping it over reveals a hook pad that locks onto your pedalboard in a snap. Switching between the two is as easy as removing four screws, flipping the plate, and tightening it back up—a simple solution for every rig and stage setup.
From the gain knob’s subtle creep to full-on roar, and with EQ controls named Grunt and Screech, the Badder Monkey™ offers a sonic playground for guitarists and bassists of all skill levels. True Bypass ensures your tone stays pure when the pedal is off, while a modern 9V DC input keeps it compatible with any rig.
From light, cheeky breakup to heavy, chest-thumping distortion, the Badder Monkey is ready to swing onto stages and pedalboards worldwide, delivering a jungle of tones without ever letting go of the vine. The Badder Monkey is the next step in the evolution of Cage-Free DOD.
Seymour Duncan, a leading manufacturer of guitar and bass pickups, effects pedals, and pedal amps, is proud to announce the Dino Cazares Machete Signature Humbuckeris now available to order from seymourduncan.com and from authorized Seymour Duncan dealers.
Dino Cazares Machete Signature Humbucker
Dino Cazares doesn't compromise, and neither does his signature Machete humbucker. This active pickup in a passive mount combines high-output coils with a custom preamp circuit to unleash ferocious attack with surgical precision. Whether you're hammering out brutal rhythms or cutting through with lead work, the Machete delivers the relentless clarity and thickness that fuel Fear Factory's punishing sound, now available to power your heaviest riffs.
Dino Cazares' signature Machete humbucker now available worldwide
Active pickup in passive mount for modern metal
Aggressive clarity with crushing low-end definition and articulation
Available in 6-string (in colors Black, White, and Red) and in 7-string (in colors Black, White, and Zebra)
Hand-built in Santa Barbara, CA
MAP pricing: 6-string $149.00
MAP pricing: 7-string $159.00
Fear Factory's Dino Cazares has spent decades defining the sonic assault of industrial metal, and his tone continues to evolve. The Machete, previously exclusive to Dino's signature Ormsby® guitars, is finally available everywhere from Seymour Duncan. This active humbucker in a passive mount delivers aggressive clarity and crushing power, engineered for players who demand articulation and low-end definition without sacrificing organic feel.
The Dino Cazares Machete Signature Humbucker delivers the razor-sharp attack and punishing crunch his music demands. Built on the foundation of the acclaimed Retribution model, the Machete channels that articulation into a distinct new voice. Treble bite and low-mid thickness combine for an immediate, aggressive attack perfect for machine-gun picking, tight chugs, and searing leads. The Machete retains an organic character that responds dynamically to your playing, delivering punchy aggression with definition.
If you've been craving fierce, articulate power that cuts through the heaviest mix while maintaining note clarity, the Machete delivers. It's the pickup that powers Dino's relentless riffing on Fear Factory's latest material, and now it can power your playing. Load it into your guitar and discover the sound that drives one of modern metal's most uncompromising players
Following their highly successful debut band tour across Europe this past June and July — which saw numerous sold-out shows and glowing praise from fans and press alike — legendary guitar icons Joe Satriani and Steve Vai are bringing their electrifying SATCHVAI Band to the United States for the first time. The “Surfing with the Hydra” 2026 tourwill launch on April 1 in Seattle, WA and continue on throughout April and May before winding up in Vienna, VA at Wolf Trap on May 30. Animals as Leaders will support on all dates. Tickets will be on-sale Friday December 12 with artist presale (PW: SATCHVAI2026) on Wednesday, December 10 at 10am local. Local pre-sales follow on Thursday, December 11.
This new chapter follows a monumental summer that took the newly formed band through major cities including London, Manchester, Paris, Copenhagen, Zurich, and more as well as festivals including Hellfest, Umbria Jazz Festival, and Guitares en Scene Fest, thrilling audiences with the unmatched interplay and energy that only Satriani and Vai can deliver. Now, with a brand-new video and single, “Dancing,” arriving March 2, 2026 via earMUSIC, the guitar greats are ready to bring that same firepower to stages across America.
“The SATCHVAI Band rides again! After a fantastic European tour last summer Steve, Kenny, Marco, Pete and I will bring the Surfing With The Hydra Tour to the US. We can’t wait to play you the new material from our forthcoming Satch/Vai album along with your favorite songs from our shared catalog. And that’s not all, we’re bringing along the incomparable Animals As Leaders. You do not want to miss this show with this lineup!” – Joe Satriani
Steve Vai concurs, "The SATCHVAI Band summer Euro tour of 2025 far exceeded anything I could have imagined. Joe and I struck pure jammin’ gold night after night. Being in the same band with Joe, playing songs we actually wrote together on stage, in real time felt like watching a childhood fantasy step out of my teenage brain and stroll onto the stage. And somehow, it was even more rewarding, satisfying, and downright fulfilling than I ever thought possible.
Our trusty band—Marco Mendoza holding down the bass with his usual thunder, Pete Thorn weaving in the magic on guitar, and Kenny Aronoff powering the whole thing from behind the kit, we created a musical flying carpet that carried us through the tour.
And to all the fans who came out and supported the show: massive thanks. Your energy and enthusiasm made the room pulse, and inspired us all beyond beyond. We are looking forward to steamroll this train into your city on our 2026 spring North America tour.”
The band’s forthcoming single “Dancing” marks the latest chapter in SATCHVAI Band’s creative evolution. It follows the duo’s first two releases — the sweeping, cinematic instrumental “The Sea of Emotion, Pt. 1” and the high-octane rocker “I Wanna Play My Guitar,” featuring powerhouse vocals from Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Country Communion). Together, these tracks have showcased both the emotional depth and unbridled energy that define the SATCHVAIBand sound — a seamless fusion of melody, virtuosity, and the kind of musical chemistry only five decades of friendship can produce.
The SATCHVAI Band marks the first time in their nearly 50-year friendship and musical partnership that Satriani and Vai have formally joined forces as a band. Their collaboration debuted in March 2024 with a duo tour and the release of “The Sea of Emotion, Pt. 1,” a stunning six-minute opus showcasing their extraordinary synergy. A second track, released ahead of the European tour, further fueled anticipation for what has become one of the year’s most celebrated live events.
Rounding out the lineup, powerhouse drummer Kenny Aronoff, renowned bassist Marco Mendoza, and virtuoso guitarist Pete Thorn complete the stellar quintet that is the SATCHVAI Band — a live ensemble built for explosive musicianship and unbridled guitar mastery.
Animals As Leaders, Tosin Abasi said of the tour, “We are beyond honored to be joining Joe Satriani and Steve Vai on tour! Our band, in many ways, would not be what it was if not for the impact of these two icons. Getting a chance to hit the US with them is a bucket list experience for us. Can’t want to see you all soon!”
Pre-sale tickets for “The Surfing with the Hydra 2026 U.S. Tour” kick off with an Artist Presale (PW: SATCHVAI2026) on Wednesday, December 10 at 10am local. Local presales follow on Thursday, December 11. The public on-sale begins Friday, December 12 at 10am local. All ticket details available at SATCHVAIBAND.COM
SATCHVAI Band “Surfing with the Hydra” 2026 U.S. Tour (with Animals as Leaders):
April 1 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre
April 2 – Portland, OR – Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
April 4 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
April 5 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort and Casino
April 7 – Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Terrace Theater
April 8 – San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
April 10 – Mesa, AZ – Mesa Amphitheatre
April 11 – Las Vegas, NV – The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
April 14 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
April 16 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
April 17 – Dallas, TX – Music Hall at Fair Park
April 18 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at the Moody Theater
April 20 – Mobile, AL – Saenger Theatre
April 22 – Pompano Beach, FL – Pompano Beach Amphitheater
April 24 – Clearwater, FL – Baycare Sound
April 25 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre
April 26 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live
April 27 – Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Symphony Hall
April 29 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
April 30 – Durham, NC – DPAC
May 2 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre
May 3 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre
May 5 – Milwaukee, WI – The Riverside Theater
May 7 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
May 8 – Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavillion at Riverbend Music Center
May 9 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
May 10 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory #
May 12 – Buffalo, NY – Kleinhans Music Hall
May 13 – Toronto, Ont – Meridian Hall #
May 15 – Northfield, OH – MGM Northfield Park
May 16 – Rochester Hills, MI – Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
May 17 – Syracuse, NY – Landmark Theatre
May 20 – Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavilion
May 21 – Albany, NY – Palace Theatre
May 22 – Waterbury, CT – Palace Theater
May 23 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Dome
May 27 – Reading, PA – Santander Performing Arts Center
May 28 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
May 29 – Atlantic City, NJ – Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
May 30 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap *
#On-sale TBA 2026
*Pre-sale and on sale for Wolf Trap show will be in February 2026.
